Life After Deportation: Tijuana's Hidden Struggle

Deported to Tijuana: A Reporter's Account of Life in a Polluted Canal Tijuana, Mexico – May 21, 2025 – A recent video report by Mexican journalist Martin Mendez has brought to light the harsh realities faced by deported individuals living along the Tijuana River canal. The video, which has garnered significant attention online, shows individuals residing in squalid conditions amidst trash and polluted water. "They live in this canal," Mendez says in the video, gesturing to the polluted waterway. "They grow tomatoes to survive." The video shows makeshift shelters constructed from tarps and cardboard, highlighting the lack of basic necessities. The conditions are clearly unsanitary, with Mendez noting a strong, fetid odor. The video contrasts the stark poverty of the deported people with the relatively affluent backdrop of Tijuana's cityscape visible in the background. Mendez's report underscores the lack of support systems for those deported, leaving them to fend for themselves in extremely difficult circumstances. The video's emotional impact is undeniable, but it also serves as a powerful call for assistance and improved conditions. The video ends with a plea for viewers to share the story and raise awareness of the situation. It serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of deportation and the human cost often overlooked.